Lindsay's 32nd Birthday!

Lindsay at Rock-N-Water, Summer 2004

Today is Lindsay's 32nd birthday! I have always wondered if, in heaven, people are aware of such things as when their "earthly" birthday is occurring. Maybe those things are so insignificant in heaven that they are blissfully unaware! Nevertheless, this day each year is the day that Lindsay's dearest loved ones will always remember their beautiful and sweet daughter, sister, friend and/or whichever role she played in their lives. From what I have learned about her, she was humble and kind and a genuine person whom anyone could depend on. She was Jason's perfect match and best friend and they had so much life to look forward to! I know that they are more alive now than ever before, but it still breaks my heart that they never got to be married and experience more life here. They never got to have kids and pursue their dream of running their own camp ministry. But God knew the number of days they would live on this earth and I fervently believe that they lived a life that was honoring to God and even in death He was glorified! I know they wear crowns of glory and they are experiencing JOY far beyond what we can imagine!

I never got to know Lindsay. I only met her once. I remember, after she and Jason died, so much kept running through my mind. One thing was that I wished I had talked to Lindsay more at the wedding shower. Had I any indication that it was the only time I would ever speak to her, I would have definitely said more and made it count! I am so grateful that I will get to know her in heaven. I can't wait for her and Jason to show me around and to experience the JOY of God's kingdom with them! :) Sometimes heaven feels so far away... almost abstract. But really, it's as close as a breath. Life here is short and unpredictable. Life on earth is fragile and can end in an instant! Heaven really is much closer than we think! So my challenge to you, and to myself, is to make life count for the glory and majesty of Christ! Do things in your life that will make an eternal impact... not just a temporary one. It's so easy to live a "surface" life, where you do what you want and do whatever provides immediate gratification... but it is a life devoid of any depth or real meaning. God has a magnificent plan for each of us, whether we know it or not! We just need to turn to Him to find out what it is. It requires courage, but it is oh so rewarding and peace-giving! Nothing, absolutely NOTHING, will satisfy you and gratify you as much as following God wholeheartedly will! In this world, there is so much evil and so much darkness. You only need to turn on the news for 5 minutes to figure that out! Satan would love for nothing more than for us to despair and to just turn our backs on God because that leads to our destruction. But if we live courageously and live a life that is pleasing to God, nothing satan throws at us will destroy us! As children of God, we are protected by His almighty hand! Lindsay understood that, and even though she lost her life on earth, her eternal life in heaven was just beginning... and God used her story to touch the hearts and transform the lives of countless people for His glory! I know, because of the heart she had for the Lord, that she is so humbled and honored by that!

"There is only one secure foundation: a genuine, deep relationship with Jesus Christ, which will carry you through any and all turmoil. No matter what storms are raging all around, you'll stand firm if you stand on His love."
~Charles Stanley

Please pray for Lindsay's family and friends today! She was loved by so many people who miss her so much! And please continue to pray for justice and for the person responsible for these murders to be found and held reponsible.

Happy Birthday Lindsay! You are loved by so many and you will never be forgotten!